Samantha Morris
EDC 102H
J. Fogleman
26 Sept. 2011

Early Childhood

I completed my first eight years of schooling at Oakland Beach Elementary. I was enrolled in their preschool program and continued there until the end of sixth grade. I enjoyed almost every year there, except for third grade. Out of all my years at Oakland Beach, I would deem Kindergarten the best. I had Mrs. Strauss for my kindergarten teacher and she had a big impact on me. Even though I was so young when she was my teacher I still remember her having such a passion for teaching. After being in her class I decided that I was going to be a kindergarten teacher, just like her. Now look at me, thirteen years later, and I still want to be a kindergarten teacher.

I still talk to Mrs. Strauss frequently, and I have told her that it is because of her that I want to teach. Seeing her love for the profession, really sparked something inside of me. If you ask anyone close to me, they will tell you that I have wanted to teach since I was just five years old. Throughout my childhood I used to transform my play room into many different job sites, but it would always return back to a classroom.

Last year, for my Senior Project, I actually went into Mrs. Strauss' kindergarten class and taught them a lesson. It was a great experience, although it was a bit nerve racking for me. However, Mrs. Strauss helped to calm me down, and I ended up opening up and enjoying myself. Completing my senior project with her only reassured me that teaching was what I wanted to do with my life.

Although Mrs. Strauss left the biggest impression on me, I do remember my other teachers being enthusiastic like her. While they taught you could tell they were enjoying themselves, even though some days were more stressful then others. However, I didn't see this as much in my teachers at my junior high school. I went to Samuel Gorton Junior HIgh, and I hated it. Out of my fourteen years of schooling, my two years at Gorton were the worst. I hated the environment I was in, and disliked most of my teachers. As much as I disliked it though, Gorton did teach me something. My junior high experience taught me that I'm not always going to enjoy school, like I did in elementary school. However, whether I enjoy it or not, it is just something I have to get through, and I need to give it my best anyway.

My early school years a great time for me, with the exception of junior high. I believe it was my elementary school experience that made me fall in love with learning, and made me want to inspire others to love it too.